Distributed control for a continuous play background music system

ABSTRACT

A system and method executed at a computing device for providing digital content, is provided. The method includes: remotely providing digital media files via a network to a playback device responsively to a computer being remotely located from both the computing device and the playback device; receiving at least one first communication from the computer via the network; and sending at least one second communication to the playback device via the network and based upon the first communication. Playback of ones of the provided digital media files at the playback device is modified responsively to the at least one second communication.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to background media systems.More particularly, the present invention relates to a background mediasystem for generating a continuous play program for one or more playbackcontrol devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Background media systems are generally used by commercial enterprises tocreate an environment that enhances a customer's experience while in afacility run by the commercial enterprise. For example, the owner of adiner with a 1960's theme typically decorates the diner with memorabiliafrom the 1960s and plays music, announcements and/or video that reflectsthat era. In contrast, the owner of an upscale clothing store in NewYork would choose a different décor and would play a more contemporarymix of music and video. As different commercial enterprises attempt todifferentiate themselves in the marketplace, demand increases forcustomization of media such as background audio, announcements, andvideo that are presented to customers within the premises.

Franchise owners spend a lot of time and money generating good will intheir business names through advertising, quality control, and effortsto present a consistent and positive experience for customers who visittheir locations. Franchise owners typically create strict rules relatingto the appearance of the franchise facility. Franchise owners may alsowish to strictly control the music, video and announcements that playwithin their franchise facilities.

Most conventional background media systems typically include onlybackground music. In some systems, music formats are sent to the userson a regular basis in the form of tapes, compact discs (CDs) or digitalvideo discs (DVDs). The music formats are played on proprietary systemsthat may include devices for storing the music formats for future use.Other systems transmit background music via a satellite broadcast or afrequency modulated (FM) sub-carrier frequency to specially-designedreceiving equipment that is located in the enterprise's facility. Whileproviding a relatively inexpensive way to receive the background music,these background media systems are generally limited in that thecommercial enterprise cannot tailor the formats beyond those provided bythe background media system vendor. If custom music formats or playlistscan be obtained, they generally cost too much for small or medium sizedcommercial enterprises. While satellite systems offer different audioformats on different channels, the number of available channels islimited. As customers request more highly customized audio and videoenvironments for their facilities, the demand for additional channelswill exceed the available bandwidth. Generally theses systems alsorequire that the video, announcements and other media be handled withseparate systems.

The conventional background media systems also have a disadvantage inthat when specialized announcements are mixed into the background musicand video, the background music and video is abruptly interrupted forthe announcements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other objects are provided by a continuous play broadcastsystem that includes a distributed communications system and a playbackcontrol device that is connected to the distributed communicationssystem. The playback control device includes one or more output devices,memory that stores digital media files and a continuous play program,and a controller that outputs the digital media files to the outputdevice according to the continuous play program. The media files includeat least one of audio files, video files and announcement files. Acomputer is connected to the distributed communications system. A webserver is connected to the distributed communications system and to amaster library of the digital media files. The computer accesses the webserver via the distributed communications system to alter the continuousplay program for the playback control device.

According to other features of the invention, the computer includes abrowser module for accessing the web server and the web server transmitsexecutable files to the computer for creating the continuous playprogram. The executable files are at least one of Active-X® components,Java Applets® and Java Script®.

According to still other features of the invention, the executable filesallow the computer to select and arrange custom playlists by selecting aplurality of the digital media files from the master library and byallowing at least one of sequencing the digital media files and randomlyplaying the digital media files. The executable files also allow thecomputer to select a plurality of predetermined collections of thedigital media files, to allocate percentages to the plurality ofpredetermined collections and to create a composite collection thatrandomly selects the digital media files from the collections based onthe allocated percentages. The executable files also allow the computerto select at least one of the digital media files within thepredetermined collections and to increase or decrease the likelihoodthat the at least one of the digital media files is played in thecomposite collection. The executable files also allow the computer toselect at least one of the digital media files within the predeterminedcollections and to prevent the at least one of the digital media filesfrom playing in the composite collection. The executable files alsoallow the computer to select at least one of the digital media fileswithin the predetermined collections and to prevent the at least one ofthe digital media files from playing during preselected times in thecomposite collection.

In yet other features of the invention, the executable files allow thecomputer to assign the predetermined collections to a time-basedschedule that forms part of the continuous play program. The executablefiles also allow the computer to assign the composite collection to thetime-based schedule.

Still other objects, features and advantages will be readily apparent.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a continuous play backgroundmedia system according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a computer from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a playback control device ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a web server of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 illustrates a browser and a log-on interface for the continuousplay background media system;

FIG. 6 illustrates a location interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 7 illustrates an environment interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 8 illustrates a schedule interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 9 illustrates a collections interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 10 illustrates a date selection interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 11 illustrates a day selection interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 12 illustrates a time selection interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 13 illustrates a create collections interface for the continuousplay background media system;

FIG. 14 illustrates an individual selections interface for thecontinuous play background media system;

FIG. 15 illustrates a restrictions interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 16 illustrates a volume interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 17 illustrates an audition interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 18 illustrates an hours setup interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 19 illustrates a security setup interface for the continuous playbackground media system;

FIG. 20 illustrates a miscellaneous setup interface for the continuousplay background media system; and

FIG. 21 illustrates a log interface for the continuous play backgroundmedia system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to FIG. 1, a control system for a continuous playbackground media system is illustrated and is generally designated 10.Web servers 14-1, 14-2, . . . , and 14-x are connected to a distributedcommunications system 18 such as the internet. Computers 26-1, 26-2, . .. , and 26-y are connected to the distributed communications system 18.Playback control devices 30-1, 30-2, . . . , and 30-z are connected tothe distributed communications system 18.

In use, the playback control devices 30 are located in variouscommercial environments. For example, the computer 26-1 accesses the webserver 14-2 to create continuous play programs which are downloaded tothe playback control devices 30-1, 30-2, 30-3, and 30-4. The playbackcontrol devices 30 execute the continuous play program to providebackground music, announcements, and/or video in a commercial facility.As used herein, selections and media refer to audio, music, music withvideo, video, still images, and/or announcements. The audio can bemusic, sound effects or other recorded sounds. The video can be movingor still images. When changes to the continuous play programs arerequired, the computer 26-1 accesses the web server 14-2 to alter thecontinuous play program. The continuous play program allows a user toarrange selections such as video, audio, and announcements into one ormore collections. The collections are assigned to time blocks during theday. Once the continuous play program is setup, the selections areplayed in a continuous manner without the need for user control.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a block diagram illustrating the computer 26 isshown. The computer 26 includes an input/output (I/O) interface 40, aprocessor 44, and memory 48. The memory 48 can include read-only memory(ROM), random access memory (RAM), and/or external memory storage suchas a hard drive, a floppy drive, an optical drive, or other suitableexternal memory storage. The memory 48 contains an operating system (OS)module 52 and a browser 56. In a preferred embodiment, the browser 56 iscapable of receiving executable files via web servers 14. Suitablebrowsers 56 include, but are not limited to, Internet Explorer andNetscape. The executable files that work with the browsers include butare not limited to ActiveX® components, Java Applets® or JavaScript®.Skilled artisans can appreciate that the continuous play programs canalso be adapted for use in distributed systems that do not employexecutable files.

The computer 26 is connected to the distributed communications system 18in any suitable manner such as through cable systems (cable andfiberoptic), satellite-based systems, terrestrial-based systems, or anyother suitable manner. As can be appreciated, if satellite-based systemsare employed, the bandwidth available for updates is dramaticallyimproved over phone bandwidths. The computer 26 can be connected to thedistributed communications system 18 through a local area network (LAN)52, a wide area network (WAN) 54, or through a cable-based orphone-based modern 58. Alternately, a satellite-based connection 59 canbe used. One or more I/O devices 62 such as a keyboard, a mouse, aprinter, a scanner, or other devices are connected to the I/O interface40. A computer display 66 is likewise connected to the I/O interface 40.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the playback control device 30 is illustratedin further detail. The playback control device 30 includes an I/Ointerface 70, a processor 74, and memory 76. The memory 76 includes RAM,ROM, and external memory storage such as hard drives, floppy drives,optical drives, or other suitable storage. The memory 76 preferablyexecutes an OS 77 and a run time engine (RTE) 78 for executing acontinuous play program as will be described further below. In apreferred embodiment, the OS is a Windows®-based system such as Windows2000®. An Apple®-based OS, Unix®, Linux®, or other OS can be usedwithout departing from the spirit of the invention.

The playback control device 30 optionally includes a display 80 and oneor more I/O devices 84 that can include a mouse, keyboard, or othersuitable I/O devices. The display 80 is preferably a television displayor a peripheral for presenting video to customers within the enterprisefacility. If a television display or peripheral is employed, theplayback control device 30 preferably includes a standard video outputconnection. Alternately, the display 80 can be a computer display. Thedisplay 80, the keyboard, and the mouse are not required to operate theplayback control device. The playback control device 30 is intended tobe a stand-alone device that needs to be turned on. Thereafter, thecontinuous play program operates the playback control device 30. Theplayback control device 30 is connected to the distributedcommunications system 18 in any of the ways described above with respectto the computer 26.

Speakers 88 are connected to the I/O interface 70. The speakers 88 arepreferably positioned in various locations throughout the commercialenterprise. One or more databases 92 include a song library 96 whichcontains a plurality of digital audio files containing audio such asmusic, an announcement library 100 that contains digital announcementfiles, a video library 104 that contains video or still picture files,and/or a text/graphics library 108. The text/graphic library 108contains media that can be included in advertisements for printedpublications, displayed using peripherals, computer displays, ortelevisions and/or used in any other manner.

In use, the playback control device 30 executes the continuous playprogram that automatically plays selections stored in the databases 92.Periodically, the computer 26 alters the continuous play program via theweb server 14. The web server 14 provides new selections and acontinuous play program to update the playback control device 30 via thedistributed communications system 18.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the web server 14 is illustrated in furtherdetail. The web server 14 includes an I/O interface 150 that isconnected to a processor 152 and memory 154. The memory 154 preferablyincludes RAM, ROM, and external memory storage such as hard drives,floppy drives, optical storage, and other suitable memory storagedevices. The memory 154 includes an OS module 156 and a server module158 that perform server functions in a conventional manner. A singlemodule can execute the OS module 156 and the server module 158.

In general, the web server 14 interfaces with the user of the computer26 using hypertext markup language (HTML). The user selects a uniformresource locator (URL) for the web server 14. The computer 26 sends theURL request to the web server 14 using hypertext transfer protocol(HTTP). The web server 14 finds a requested home page, document, orobject (such as an executable file) and sends it to the computer 26.When the request is complete, the HTTP connection is closed and can bereopened later if needed. Web pages and executable files 162 aretransmitted to the computer 26 in response to the requests.

One or more I/O devices 166 such as a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, ascanner, etc. are connected to the I/O interface 150. A display 170 isconnected to the I/O interface 150. The web server 14 is connected tothe distributed communications system 18 using a phone-based orcable-based modem 174, a LAN 176, a WAN 178, or other suitableconnections. Radio frequency and/or satellite-based connections are alsocontemplated. One or more databases 182 contain a master title librarythat includes digital audio files for each song that is to be deliveredin the continuous play background media system 10. The databases 182further include custom and generic announcement files, video files andtext/graphics files that are likewise to be distributed in thecontinuous play background media system 10. The databases 182 alsocontain user profiles that are associated with one or more users and oneor more playback control devices 30. The databases 182 store logscontaining a list of music, announcements, video and text/graphics thathave been used by the playback control devices 30 for customer billingand royalty payment purposes. As can be appreciated, the databases 182can be separated into multiple databases on one or more computers as isdictated by database size, access speed, security and other factors.

In use, the computer 26 uses the browser 56 to connect to the web server14 via the Internet 18. The web server 14 transmits a web pagecontaining a user name and password interface. Alternately, anexecutable file can perform the user name and password log-on process.Using the computer 26, the user designs a continuous play program forone or more playback control devices 30. Upon completing the continuousplay program, the web server 14 begins a process of updating theplayback control devices 30 using one or more connection sessions.

As can be appreciated, the computer 26 can be located remotely from theplayback control devices 30 and can program multiple playback controldevices 30 at once. Alternately, the computer 26 and the playbackcontrol device 30 can be integrated into a signal device. In otherwords, the computer 26 can be used as described above. When not used tocreate or modify continuous play programs, the computer 26 can be usedas a playback device. By providing a distributed control system forcontinuous play background media systems 10, franchise owners can createa more uniform experience for their commercial environments. Inaddition, local management does not need to be involved with thecreation or modification of the continuous play programs. Nonetheless,the continuous play programs according to the invention are almostinfinitely variable unlike conventional systems.

Referring now to FIG. 5, the computer 26 includes the internet browser56 that includes a control screen 200. The Internet browser controlscreen 200 includes a menu bar 204 with one or more drop-down menus thatare operated in a conventional point-and-click manner. A toolbar 208contains a plurality of command buttons 210 which provide browsingfunctions such as back, forward, stop, refresh, print, home, search,favorites, and other suitable browser functions. An address text box 212allows a user to input a URL or domain name address for connecting thecomputer 26 to a web page provided by the web server 14.

A log-on interface 216 requires the user to input a user name in a textbox 222 and a password in a text box 224. When complete, the user clickson a command button 226 to attempt to log on. The web server 14 comparesthe user name and password to a database. If a match is found, the useris granted access. After a user is logged on, the command button 216 mayalso be used to log-off the user. The text of the command button 26 ischanged to “log off.” The user name and password provide the user accessto modify or create continuous play programs. Access levels varydepending upon the password clearance of the user.

After logging on, the web server transmits a location interface 234(FIG. 6) that is provided by one or more location-related executablefiles. The location interface 234 allows a user to classify locationsinto groups and subgroups so that a continuous play program can becreated for a location, a subgroup of locations, or a group ofsubgroups. Additional grouping levels can be added if needed. Thelocation interface 234 includes an interactive box 236 that containsgroups, subgroups and locations that can be accessed by the user. Theinteractive box 236 provides the user with a list of locations, groupsand subgroups and other related data fields from the database 182. Thegroups, subgroups, locations, addresses, and other data fields arestored in one or more relational tables in the database 182. As usedherein, the term “interactive box” refers to display boxes that containautomatic links for the databases 182, dynamic displays such as trees,or lists that can be sorted by clicking on field names, by using checkboxes, or by moving scroll bars.

The interactive box 236 is manipulated using a scroll bar 240 in aconventional manner. By clicking on one of the column headers 244-1,244-2, 244-3, the location interface 234 sorts the data by the selectedheader. For example, if the subgroup filed name 244-2 is selected, thegroup, subgroup and location information is arranged alphabetically bysubgroup initially from A to Z. Selecting the subgroup field name againsorts from Z to A.

An interactive text box 250 includes a tree structure 254 that can beexpanded and collapsed to show a location hierarchy that is defined bythe user. Additional command buttons generally identified at 258 and acheck box at 262 allow a user to organize locations into groups andsubgroups by showing, hiding, selecting and/or clearing. Command button264 triggers a dialog box (not shown) which allows a new location to beadded. An “edit location” command button 266 triggers a dialog box (notshown) that allows a location to be edited.

The group or subgroup of a location can be changed by highlighting alocation in the interactive box 236 and a group or subgroup in theinteractive box 250. By clicking on a command button 268, the selectedgroup or subgroup is updated for the selected location. To modify agroup, the user selects a group, subgroup or location by highlightingthe group, subgroup or location. The user clicks on a command button264. The command button 264 selects the highlighted group, subgroup orlocation and returns the user to the log-on interface 216. From there,the user can make modifications to the selected group, subgroup orlocation using the links. In an alternative configuration, a systemadministrator may arrange predetermined groups for selection by theusers, limiting the user's ability to define groups. Such modificationmay be selected from a menu of options such as links 228 shown in FIG.5. The user can click on various different links 228 that allow the userto change various aspects of continuous play programs associated withthe user.

Referring now to FIG. 7, when the user clicks on an environment link 270in FIG. 5, one or more environment-related executable files aretransmitted by the web server 14 to the computer 26. An environmentinterface 274 displays a current playlist that may include one or morecollections for a selected group. For example, the Eastern group isselected in FIG. 7. The user previously selected the Eastern group usingthe location interface 234. The environment interface 274 shows theplaylist that contains selections that are currently playing or in a cueto be played at the Eastern group. A “live” connection between at leastone of the play back control devices in the Eastern group is required.If a “live” link is not available, the environment interface would belimited to showing the collection currently being played.

An interactive box 278 includes a scroll bar 280 for scrolling throughindividual selections. The information displayed on the interactive box278 is automatically accessed from the database 182 and includes title,artist, time, length, and a category. Highlighting is employed toidentify a currently playing selection. A text box 284 includesinformation concerning a collection that is currently playing at theEastern group locations. The collection includes a plurality ofcollection components each of that is allocated a percentage of acollection. For example, the Mainstream Adult Collection Component is30% of the collection. Selections from each of the collection componentsare preferably played at random (unless modified) in proportion to theallocated percentage or restricted by date or time. To return to thelog-on interface 216, the back tool button 210 can be used. Alternately,a command button can be provided to return the user to the log-oninterface. A details command button 286 provides details concerning thecollection, the selection currently playing, the locations within theselected group, and other pertinent information. A pause play button 287pauses play at the selected locations. A command button 288 locates acurrently playing selection. A reduce playlist button 290 launches adialog box (not shown) that reduces the length of the playlist for thecollection.

Referring now to FIG. 8, a schedule link 300 in FIG. 5 causes the webserver 14 to transmit one or more schedule-related executable files. Aschedule interface 302 allows a user to assign collections that arepredefined by the operator of the continuous play background mediasystem 10 operator such as 60-70's Solid Gold, Core Country, AdultContemporary, etc. to a time-based schedule for the selected groups,subgroups or locations. The schedule interface 302 also allows the userto assign user-defined collections to the time-based schedule for theselected groups, subgroups or locations. A frame 304 allows a user toselect either active or active and inactive collections using checkboxes 306 and 307. By excluding inactive collections, seasonalcollections such as Christmas collections can be omitted to provide acleaner display. A second group of check boxes 308 and 310 are locatedin a frame 312 and allow a user to select collections with an “OK”status or an “ALL” status. The “OK” status designates that allcomponents of the collection are loaded on the system. The databasenames of all available selections are always available. The selectionssuch as audio, video, or announcement files may not be loaded on theplayback control devices. The “ALL” status designates that some of thecomponents may be missing from the system.

To assign collections to the time-based schedule, the user selects oneor more time slots in an interactive box 314 that includes days of theweek and time of day. The time of day portion is divided into timeblocks having a predetermined time increment such as 15, 30, 45, 60,etc. minutes. A scroll bar 316 allows the user to change the time blocksthat are displayed. An interactive text box 318 contains collectionsthat are available to the user along with other related data fields suchas a content field 320 and a status field 322. The content field 320identifies the type of media that is contained in the collection. Acolor-coded field 324 is used in the interactive box 314 to graphicallyrepresent the collections in the time blocks.

In use, the user selects a collection from the interactive box 318. Theuser highlights one or more time blocks in the interactive box 314. Theuser points and clicks on a command button 316. The selected collectionis assigned to the selected time blocks. The time slots that areprovided in the text interactive box 314 must be filled completely toprevent the unintentional absence of selections (such as music,announcements, or video) during business hours. Silence, however, may beintentionally programmed into time blocks. Command buttons, generallyidentified at 324, allow a user to cancel changes, approve changes,select all boxes, or clear all boxes.

Color-coding or texture-coding may be employed to provide an easy keyfor a user who is viewing the time blocks. The continuous play programfits selections within a designated time block. A selection from aselected collection that is assigned to a time block may run over an endtime for the block if the selection does not happen to end precisely atthe end of the time block. Generally a two-minute rule is used.Selections are inserted until one of the selections ends within +/−2minutes of a time block end period.

Referring now to FIG. 9, when a user actuates a collections link 340,the web server 14 transmits one or more collections-related executablefiles. A collections interface screen 344 allows a user to modifyexisting collections or to create a new collection. An interactive box350 lists predefined and user-defined collections that are available tothe user. An interactive box 354 allows a user to modify collectioncomponents and to change percentages that are allocated to eachcollection component within an existing user-defined collection.

In use, the user highlights one of the collections and presses a commandbutton 360 to add the collection component to the collection. The userhighlights a collection component and clicks a command box 362 to removethe collection component from the collection. The user enters a desiredpercentage for each collection component in the interactive box 354. Aframe 364 allows a user to select from existing categories that the userhas access to or categories from the master library using check boxes366 and 370. A drop-down list box 372 allows a user to select fromexisting collections. A command button 374 allows a new collection nameto be added to the drop down list 372. Command buttons 376 and 378 allowa user to approve or cancel changes, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 10, selection link 390 from FIG. 5 triggers theweb server 14 to transmit one or more selection-related executable filesthat include a selection interface 392. The selection interface 392allows the user to control the frequency of songs within user-definedcollections. An interactive box 396 lists songs for a selecteduser-defined collection and includes a slider bar 397 for navigatingselections. An arrow icon 398 identifies a currently selected title. Aninteractive box 404 contains check boxes, text boxes and a slider barthat allow a user to adjust a relative frequency at which a selection isplayed in an existing collection that is selected by a drop-down listbox 408. A slider control 409 slides between a setting that plays aselection very often relative to other selections in a collection and asetting that never plays a selection. Using check boxes 412 and 414, theselection can be played only during certain months by selecting themonth using one or more check boxes 414. Text boxes 416 and 418 can beused for selecting specific date ranges for consecutive months. A frame420 and check boxes 422, 424 and 426 control which selections are listedin the text box 396. Check box 422 limits selections to a selectedcollection. Check box 424 limits selections to those that the user hasaccess to. Check box 426 allows all selections to be selected. Commandbuttons 428 launch dialog boxes that allow the selections to be searchedand filtered in a conventional manner. Field names 429 of theinteractive box 396 allow the user to sort by category, title, artistname, or other fields by pointing and clicking on the field names 429.Control buttons 430, 432, and 434 allow a user to control play on amonthly basis (date button 430), a daily basis (days button 432) and anhourly basis (time button 434).

Referring now to FIG. 11, particular days for playing a selection alsobe programmed by selecting the command button 432. One or moreselection-related executable files provide an interface screen 450 thatcontains check boxes 452, 454, and 455 that are used to select songs tobe played on certain days of the week. Alternately, drop-down list boxes456 and 458 allow the selection of consecutive days for playing thesong.

Referring to FIG. 12, when the user selects the button 434, aninteractive box 470 is provided by one or more selection-relatedexecutable files. The interactive box 470 allows the user to play aselection periodically using a drop-down box 472. The interactive box470 allows the user to play a selection at a particular time using adrop-down box 474. The interactive box 470 allows a user to prevent aselection from playing using a check box 476. First and second drop-downboxes 478 and 480 allow a user to prevent the selection from beingplayed between first and second time periods.

Referring now to FIG. 13, a create collections link 484 triggers the webserver 14 to transmit one or more create collections-related executablefiles. A create collections interface 485 includes an interactive box486 that contains a list of available selections and has functionalitysimilar to the interactive box 396.

An interactive box 487 contains selections chosen from the list in theinteractive box 486. The user selects one or more selections in theinteractive box 486 and clicks command button 488 to add selections tothe new collection. The user selects one or more selections in theinteractive box 487 and clicks command button 489 to remove theselections from the collection. A frame 490 contains check boxes 491-1,491-2 and 491-3 that are used to choose all selections on the system orthose currently available to the user. Command buttons 493 assist theuser in finding selections within the list provided in the interactivebox. Command buttons 494 allow the user to select, clear, select all orclear all. Command buttons 495 allow the changes to be cancelled orapproved. Command button 496 allows a new collection to be added to adrop-down list box 497. The drop-down list box 497 allows the user toselect other user-defined collections for modifications.

Referring now to FIG. 14, when a user selects an individual selectionslink 500 in FIG. 5, the web browser 14 transmits one or more executablefiles to the computer 26. The executable files allow the user to programindividual selections such as audio, video, and announcements to play atcertain intervals or to not play at all. The individual items arescheduled initially then selections from a selected collection randomly(with or without weightings) fill a playlist. The executable filescontain an individual selections interface 502 that includes a drop-downlist box 504 which can be used to choose selections from a predefinedcollection for output to an interactive box 510. Alternately, a frame512 includes check boxes 514, 516, and 518 that limit the selectionsprovided in a text box window 510. The check boxes 514, 516, and 518limit selections output to the interactive box 510 to the collectionthat is selected using the drop-down list box 514. The check box 518allows all selections in the master library to be presented. The checkbox 516 allows only selection in collections that are currentlyassociated with the computer 26 to be output. Command buttons, generallydesignated 519, launch dialog boxes for sorting and finding selectionswithin the list of selections in interactive box 510. The user selectsthe selections in the text box 510 using the mouse and/or keyboard. Anarrow 520 adds the selection to a list in an interactive box 522 thatlists other automatic selections. The user can select the frequency ofplay using a drop-down list box 524. The user can select play at aspecific time using the drop-down list box 526. Drop-down list boxes 528and 530 prevent the selection from playing between two times. A checkbox 532 prevents a selection from playing.

Referring now to FIG. 15, when a user selects a restrictions link 540 inFIG. 5, a restrictions interface screen 544 is provided by the webserver using one or more executable files. An interactive box 548 listsall of the collections currently associated with the computer. A globalsetting 549 sets a default artist separation between selections and/orfile separation between selections. The global settings are used bydefault unless a specific restriction setting applies. By doubleclicking on a line, an interactive box 550 is launched which allows auser to define a separation between selections by a particular artistusing a drop-down list box 552, or a separation between selectionshaving the same title using a drop-down list box 554.

Referring now to FIG. 16, a playback volume link 580 in FIG. 5 triggersthe web server to transmit one or more volume-related executable files.A playback volume interface screen 581 includes an interactive box 582that displays volume levels as a function of day and time. A slider bar584 allows navigation of time. Time blocks are defined based upondefault settings. An area selection box 586 allows the selection of oneof a plurality of areas within the commercial facility using the mousean arrow 590. For example in FIG. 15, a bar area is selected. The volumelevels for the bar area are displayed in the interactive box 582. In asimilar manner, lights and heating, ventilation and air conditioning(HVAC) can be controlled. Command buttons 592 allow selection, clearing,approval and cancellation of changes. The volume levels are set eitheras a percentage of full volume or as a relative level above ambientnoise. In such a case, I/O device 94 of the playback device 30 is anambient noise sensor.

Referring now to FIG. 17, an audition link 600 in FIG. 5 triggers theweb server 14 to download one or more audition-related executable files.An audition interface 610 includes an interactive box 612 that includesa list of selections available. A slider bar 614 allows the user to viewthe list. A drop-down list box 616 allows the selection of predefined oruser-defined collections. One or more command buttons 618 allowselections to be found using search and filter functions. An interactivebox 620 allows filtering of the list using check boxes 622, 624, and626. Check box 622 limits selections to those in the collection selectedin the list box 616. Check box 624 limits selections to those currentlyavailable to the user. Check box 626 provides all available selections.

A user selects a particular selection using the slider bar 614 if neededand clicking on a particular selection. The title of the selectionappears in a text box 628. A thumbnail view 630 appears if the selectionincludes video. Command buttons 624 allow the user to play, stop, repeatand pause a particular selection in a conventional manner. When used,the audition interface 610 does not impact the continuous play programthat is operating at the selected locations, subgroup or group. The webserver 14 preferably delivers the particular selection to be auditionedusing streaming audio, streaming video, or other suitable techniques.

Referring now to FIG. 18, when a user clicks a set-up link 650 in FIG.5, the web server 14 transmits one or more setup-related executablefiles. An hours set-up interface screen 654 provides an interactive box666 which contains a grid defining hours of operation for the selectedlocations. An interactive box 668 lists available schedules and anactive or inactive status. A slider bar 669 allows a user to navigatethe list in the interactive box 668. Different days of the week or timesof the year have different opening and closing hours. Command buttons670 allow a user to select and deselect days and times. Command buttons671 allow a user to make selected times open or closed. Command buttons672 allow a user to change the status of a selected schedule name fromactive to inactive. Alternately, the user can double click on aparticular day and time to change the day and time from open to closedor from closed to open. Specific dates for a schedule can be set using acommand button 673 that launches a dialog box. Command buttons 674, 676and 678 allow a user to navigate to other set-up screens.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the command button 676 of the set-up interface654 allows a user to define password levels if the user has asufficiently high security level. An interactive box 686 displayspassword levels in a tree structure. If a particular user has asufficiently high security level, such as level 5, the user can assignaccess levels to other users for one or more of the interface screensthat are listed in an interactive box 690. Command buttons 694 and 695allow a user to show or hide passwords in the tree structure. Commandbuttons 696 and 698 allow a user to be added or removed. A commandbutton 700 allows a password to be changed. A command button 702 allowsa one-time password to be selected for a level. A command button 704allows a user to delete a one-time password for a level. A commandbutton 706 allows a highlighted user or security level in theinteractive box 686 to be assigned access to the interface screens thatare highlighted in the interactive box 6790.

Referring now to FIG. 20, default set-up settings can be set for thesystem by selecting the command button 678. A frame 720 contains adrop-down list 724 which allows a time increment for scheduling. Commandbuttons 726 and 728 allow a user to cancel or approve a change. A frame730 contains a drop-down list 731 that allows a pause length to be set.Command buttons 732 and 734 allow a user to approve or cancel a change.A frame 740 contains a playlist duration that is used to set theduration to be displayed in the environment interface 274. A drop-downlist box 742 allows the selections of the playlist duration. Commandbuttons 744 and 746 allow a user to approve or cancel the change. Aframe 760 allows a user to select the length of time to add to aplaylist using a drop-down list box 764 and command buttons 766 and 768.

Referring now to FIG. 21, using a log link 800, a user triggers the webserver 14 to download log-related executable file that provides a loginterface 804. Control buttons 806, 808, 810, and 812 filter a log list814 which displays date, description, schedule time and actual timefields. A scroll bar 816 allows the user to scroll through the log list.Sorting is performed when a field description is selected.

As can be appreciated by the foregoing, the continuous play backgroundmedia system according to the invention allows continuous play programsto be managed remotely from the playback control devices if desired. Thecontinuous play background media system also allows multiple locationsto be controlled using the same continuous play program. Furthermore,the collections of music, announcement and video can be tailored almostinfinitely to create any kind of environment desired.

Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the foregoingdescription that the broad teachings of the present invention can beimplemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this invention hasbeen described in connection with particular examples thereof, the truescope of the invention should not be so limited since othermodifications will become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon astudy of the drawings, specification, and following claims.

1-46. (canceled)
 47. A method executed at a computing device forproviding digital content, comprising: Remotely providing digital mediafiles via a network to a playback device responsively to a computerbeing remotely located from both: the computing device; and the playbackdevice; receiving at least one first communication from the computer viathe network; and sending at least one second communication to theplayback device via the network and based upon the first communication;wherein, playback of ones of the provided digital media files at theplayback device is modified responsively to the at least one secondcommunication.
 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the digital mediafiles comprise audio files, video files, and/or image files.
 49. Themethod of claim 47, further comprising remotely serving executable filesthat allow the computer to select and arrange custom playlists byselecting a plurality of the digital media files from a master libraryand allowing sequencing the digital media files and/or randomly playingthe digital media files.
 50. The method of claim 47, further comprisingremotely serving executable files that allow the computer to select aplurality of predetermined collections of the digital media files, toallocate percentages of time for playing the collections and to create acomposite collection that randomly selects the digital media files fromthe collections based on the allocated percentages.
 51. The method ofclaim 57, further comprising remotely serving executable files thatallow the computer to select at least one of the digital media fileswithin predetermined collections and to adjust a frequency at which theat least one of the digital media files is played in a compositecollection.
 52. A computer device for providing digital content,comprising: means for remotely providing digital media files via anetwork to a playback device responsively to a computer being remotelylocated from both: the computer device; and the playback device; meansfor receiving at least one first communication from the computer via thenetwork; and means for sending at least one second communication to theplayback device via the network and based upon the at least one firstcommunication; wherein, playback of ones of the provided digital mediafiles at the playback device is modified responsively to the at leastone second communication.
 53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein thedigital media files comprise audio files, video files, and/or imagefiles.
 54. The apparatus of claim 52, further comprising remotelyserving executable files that allow the computer to select and arrangecustom playlists by selecting a plurality of the digital media filesfrom a master library and allowing sequencing the digital media filesand/or randomly playing the digital media files.
 55. The apparatus ofclaim 52, further comprising remotely serving executable files thatallow the computer to select a plurality of predetermined collections ofthe digital media files, to allocate percentages of time for playing thecollections and to create a composite collection that randomly selectsthe digital media files from the collections based on the allocatedpercentages.
 56. The apparatus of claim 52, further comprising remotelyserving executable files that allow the computer to select at least oneof the digital media files within predetermined collections and toadjust a frequency at which the at least one of the digital media filesis played in a composite collection.
 57. Computer code embodied on acomputer readable medium, the computer code comprising: code configuredto remotely provide digital media files via a network to a playbackdevice responsively to a computer being remotely located from both: theapparatus; and the playback device; code configured to receive at leastone first communication from the computer via the network; and codeconfigured to send at least one second communication to the playbackdevice via the network and based upon the at least one firstcommunication; wherein, playback of ones of the provided digital mediafiles at the playback device is modified responsively to the at leastone second communication.
 58. The apparatus of claim 57, wherein thedigital media files comprise audio files, video files, and/or imagefiles.
 59. The apparatus of claim 57, further comprising code configuredto remotely provide executable files that allow the computer to selectand arrange custom playlists by selecting a plurality of the digitalmedia files from a master library and allowing sequencing the digitalmedia files and/or randomly playing the digital media files.
 60. Theapparatus of claim 57, further comprising code configured to remotelyprovide executable files that allow the computer to select a pluralityof predetermined collections of the digital media files, to allocatepercentages of time for playing the collections and to create acomposite collection that randomly selects the digital media files fromthe collections based on the allocated percentages.
 61. The apparatus ofclaim 57, further comprising code configured to remotely provideexecutable files that allow the computer to select at least one of thedigital media files within predetermined collections and to adjust afrequency at which the at least one of the digital media files is playedin a composite collection.
 62. The method of claim 47, furthercomprising remotely serving executable files that allow the computer toselect at least one temporal period to operate the playback device. 63.The apparatus of claim 52, further comprising means for remotely servingexecutable files that allow the computer to select at least one temporalperiod to operate the playback device.
 64. The apparatus of claim 57,further comprising code configured to remotely provide executable filesthat allow the computer to select at least one temporal period tooperate the playback device.